In recent years, I have noticed a decline in the value of having most degrees. In particular, this flat economic environment has caused most employers to want more, more, more for less regardless of the degree held with a minor few exceptions.

It is sad to hear the number of students who are currently perusing what society says is the formula for success; Only to learn the good old days formula isn't the same.

Consider selecting degree in something that you really enjoy doing, even if the employer wants more, more. In doing so, you will never see your education a waste of money.

In closing, I do not believe education is a sure formula for success anymore, it best to select a degree that you will enjoy working, in that field. I believe having a degree makes one well rounded and one should decide what success means to them. Surely that are many success stories of individuals who are blooming who only earned a high school graduates. I believe, having passion for a particular craft increases the likelhood of success.

I also believe, success is being conten with wherever you are in life, I do not believe success is merely measured in the dollar amount; or net worth of a person. There are number of other factors one must look at as well. You have to decide what success means to you.

What does success mean to you. For me ; it is being happy whether one is in a studio or mansion.

Vibrantheart

In recent years, I have noticed a decline in the value of having most degrees. In particular, this flat economic environment has caused most employers to want more, more, more for less regardless of the degree held with a minor few exceptions.

It is sad to hear the number of students who are currently perusing what society says is the formula for success; Only to learn the good old days formula isn't the same.

Consider selecting degree in something that you really enjoy doing, even if the employer wants more, more. In doing so, you will never see your education a waste of money.

In closing, I do not believe education is a sure formula for success anymore, it best to select a degree that you will enjoy working, in that field. I believe having a degree makes one well rounded and one should decide what success means to them. Surely that are many success stories of individuals who are blooming who only earned a high school graduates. I believe, having passion for a particular craft increases the likelhood of success.

I also believe, success is being conten with wherever you are in life, I do not believe success is merely measured in the dollar amount; or net worth of a person. There are number of other factors one must look at as well. You have to decide what success means to you.

What does success mean to you. For me ; it is being happy whether one is in a studio or mansion.

You are both correct in that having a degree does not guarantee success. The bar is so much higher these days, though, that having one is a prerequisite to even getting your foot in the door. Yes, employers want it all... the degree, the experience, the personality, the drive to work hard, and they exploit all of that in the hiring process.

Throughout my career, I avoided specialization because I'm interested in so many different things, the idea of doing one thing, day after day after day was an anathema to me. So, my "specialization" became "generalization" or "jack of all trades," but in the end it has done me a dis-service. My peers who specialized tended to be kept on through lay-offs, while I was the first to go. Looking back, I realized that having what I wanted -- to be able to do a wide range of things -- had a price... being on the top of the lay-off list, when it came around. Consequently, I now constantly look for another job, even though there's no indication of any upcoming layoffs. I've become fairly defensive.

So, I would encourage you to, yes, do what you enjoy, but if you can specialize, you may find getting a job, and keeping it, a bit easier.

-- Robert

Hi Cassie, hi Sarah!

You are both correct in that having a degree does not guarantee success. The bar is so much higher these days, though, that having one is a prerequisite to even getting your foot in the door. Yes, employers want it all... the degree, the experience, the personality, the drive to work hard, and they exploit all of that in the hiring process.

Throughout my career, I avoided specialization because I'm interested in so many different things, the idea of doing one thing, day after day after day was an anathema to me. So, my "specialization" became "generalization" or "jack of all trades," but in the end it has done me a dis-service. My peers who specialized tended to be kept on through lay-offs, while I was the first to go. Looking back, I realized that having what I wanted -- to be able to do a wide range of things -- had a price... being on the top of the lay-off list, when it came around. Consequently, I now constantly look for another job, even though there's no indication of any upcoming layoffs. I've become fairly defensive.

So, I would encourage you to, yes, do what you enjoy, but if you can specialize, you may find getting a job, and keeping it, a bit easier.

Thanks for the feedback, I am sad to hear about you employment situation; but it is awesome that you do have a degree. I think your chances for emplyment opportunities in your field may be better utlized in a high demand state. Have you consider moving?,

I have heard from afew teachers in California; that there are in higher demand there especially in the Science and Math field. You are lovely so I am sure something great will happy for you.

Also consider going abroad, Japan and China would love to employ someone like yourself.

Kind regards,

Cassie

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for the feedback, I am sad to hear about you employment situation; but it is awesome that you do have a degree. I think your chances for emplyment opportunities in your field may be better utlized in a high demand state. Have you consider moving?,

I have heard from afew teachers in California; that there are in higher demand there especially in the Science and Math field. You are lovely so I am sure something great will happy for you.

Also consider going abroad, Japan and China would love to employ someone like yourself.

No having a degree does not guarantee success. Having a mixture of both experirnce and qualifications is key. I have a masters degree in education and almost two full years teaching experience and sometimes that is not enough with today's competition. I'm in a situation where my contract ends in August, my school has not mentioned anything about keeping me and I'm going to have to go back on the teaching list to fight for the few possible jobs available, fearing I won't get a place. I work so hard and go out my way to prove myself but it all comes to cutbacks. What the school can afford to do.

Sarah

No having a degree does not guarantee success. Having a mixture of both experirnce and qualifications is key. I have a masters degree in education and almost two full years teaching experience and sometimes that is not enough with today's competition. I'm in a situation where my contract ends in August, my school has not mentioned anything about keeping me and I'm going to have to go back on the teaching list to fight for the few possible jobs available, fearing I won't get a place. I work so hard and go out my way to prove myself but it all comes to cutbacks. What the school can afford to do.